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Conservative donations top Labour Conservative donations top Labour
(about 4 hours later)
The Conservatives received more than £5m in donations in the last three months of 2008, almost twice that given to Labour, official figures show.The Conservatives received more than £5m in donations in the last three months of 2008, almost twice that given to Labour, official figures show.
In its latest update, the Electoral Commission said the Tories were given £5.1m in donations between October and December while Labour received £2.6m.In its latest update, the Electoral Commission said the Tories were given £5.1m in donations between October and December while Labour received £2.6m.
For 2008 as a whole, the Conservatives edged ahead with donations of about £19m compared to Labour's £17m.For 2008 as a whole, the Conservatives edged ahead with donations of about £19m compared to Labour's £17m.
The Lib Dems received £960,898 during the last quarter of 2008.The Lib Dems received £960,898 during the last quarter of 2008.
Graphic: Donations to main parties 2006-08
Among Conservative donors during the most recent period was Susan Anstey, wife of Tory peer Lord Ashcroft, who gave £250,000 to the party.Among Conservative donors during the most recent period was Susan Anstey, wife of Tory peer Lord Ashcroft, who gave £250,000 to the party.
The Electoral Commission has launched an investigation into donations by Bearwood Services, a company owned by Lord Ashcroft, to the Tories after a complaint by a Labour MP.The Electoral Commission has launched an investigation into donations by Bearwood Services, a company owned by Lord Ashcroft, to the Tories after a complaint by a Labour MP.
The Conservatives have insisted the donations were legal and permissible.The Conservatives have insisted the donations were legal and permissible.
Since the end of 2005, Bearwood has donated about £3m to the Conservatives.Since the end of 2005, Bearwood has donated about £3m to the Conservatives.
The bulk of Labour's donations during the last three months came from union sources.The bulk of Labour's donations during the last three months came from union sources.
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